Zac Efron pays tribute to his late cousin in emotional posts on Instagram and Twitter

Our favorite ex-High School Musical star Zac Efron, aka Troy Bolton, celebrated his 28th birthday last week, but unfortunately the day also marked a very upsetting time for Zac. He happens to share a birthday with his cousin and best friend Emily, who passed away two years ago from a long battle with cancer.

Zac shared pictures of the two via Instagram and urged his fans to donate to Stand Up 2 Cancer as his birthday wish, as well as in memory of Emily. In 2010, Zac was part of a PSA published by Stand Up 2 Cancer that also featured Vanessa Hudgens, Kristen Bell, and Logan Lerman. Ever since, he has been a supporter of the foundation.

We urge you to keep Zac and his family in your thoughts, and please donate to Stand Up to Cancer here.